Love is in the air all year round in Durham with its stunning scenery, buildings that take your breath away and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Ranked as the second most romantic city in the UK by www.holidaylettings.co.uk, here are our top 10 reasons you should honeymoon in Durham:
Durham Cathedral
Durham’s dramatic landscapes – if you’re looking to combine a rural country break to the Durham Dales, with the cosmos of Durham city and its dramatic coastal landscapes, Durham is the perfect choice.
Explore Durham Cathedral, Durham’s iconic landmarks – Durham Cathedral & Castle was recently named the UK’s top attraction by TripAdvisor users, and Durham Castle. The two Romanesque buildings were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, and in 2016 celebrated its 30-year anniversary as a World Heritage Site.
Our award-winning spas – Durham is home to a number of spas, guaranteed to relax and rejuvenate. These include Seaham Hall’s award-winning Serenity Spa, which was declared Best Spa in the North East at the annual Good Spa Guide Awards. It’s also the only spa in the North to be classified by the Good Spa Guide as ‘Five Bubble Luxury’. Recently the hotel has added three new thermal rooms to the 44,000 sq ft spa: a salt sauna, an Asian Herbal Sanarium and an Indian Steam Chamber.
Durham’s dark skies – Most of the UK’s population live in densely populated and light polluted urban areas. They see a handful of stars through an orange glow. In the Durham Dales and North Pennines AONB your eyes can feast on up to 2,000 at any one time; the furthest object you can see with your naked eye is the Andromeda Galaxy – a vast island of stars very similar to our own Milky Way.
The breath-taking Durham Dales - The Durham Dales’ breathtaking scenery provides the ideal backdrop to your break. You can escape to the stunning surroundings of Teesdale, Weardale as well as the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and explore on two feet or two wheels. These beautiful landscapes have inspired artists and writers through the ages – none more so than JMW Turner – the painter of light. A romantic photo opportunity not to be missed is High Force, one of England’s most spectacular waterfalls.
Explore the Vale of Durham - Delve into Durham’s amazing heritage in the Vale of Durham. From social and industrial, to spiritual and sporting, Durham’s history is brought to life at award-winning attractions in the Vale. Stroll through the beautiful rooms at Auckland Castle, which was the palace of the Prince Bishops of Durham for more than 900 years and discover the majestic works of art and historic artefacts housed within.
Durham’s Heritage Coast - Explore this colourful and dramatic landscape with its beaches, rugged cliffs and imposing headlands. A truly stunning location, the Heritage Coast is recognised internationally for its rare plants and wildlife - and the perfect place for a romantic stroll. The Durham Coastal Footpath is a wonderfully uplifting 11-mile route that starts in Seaham and follows the England Coast Path National Trail, due for completion in 2020.
Crook Hall & Gardens - There is one garden plant that sums up romance - the rose, of which Crook Hall has many. This stunning medieval manor house in the heart of Durham City is surrounded by glorious gardens. Discover the secret walled garden, Shakespeare garden, Cathedral garden, silver and white garden, moat pool and meadow with maze.
An array of romantic restaurants - Delicious food, a great atmosphere and candlelight is the perfect recipe for romance. Look out for the Taste Durham quality mark, awarded to some of Durham's best eateries in recognition of great food and excellent service. Try the intimate Byron’s Restaurant for romantic fine dining, where Head Chef Damian Broom offers delicious, seasonal and regional food cooked with modern day and traditional techniques.
Route 66 - No, not the one in the USA - this is our A66 which during the day is a busy cross-Pennine route. Known as Stainmore Gap, the road climbs over the high heather moorland along the southern edge of the Durham Dales. Choose a clear night, park safely in a lay-by and switch off the engine - have you ever seen so many stars in your life?
For more information and to book the perfect honeymoon or romantic break, visit www.thisisdurham.com or call 03000 26 26 26.
www.seahamhall.co.uk
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